Tarkowski Keen For Clarets To Seize European Opportunity

Elvis Iwuamadi

6 months ago

James Tarkowski says it will feel like a “waste” if Burnley were to fail to qualify for the Europa League group stages. The Clarets are preparing to make the trip to the Greek capital Athens for the first leg of their Europa League play-off round tie with Olympiakos having battled their way past both Aberdeen and Istanbul Basaksehir.

The Turf Moor outfit needed extra time in both their previous ties and have paid the price for their European exploits, making a stuttering start in the Premier League with one point from two matches.
Having worked so hard to reach this stage, England international Tarkowski says it would be a massive disappointment not to see off the Greeks and reach the group stages, where they could play host to the likes of Europa League play-off and Celtic.

“It would be a bit of a waste now if we didn’t make it after getting through the first two and going to extra-time twice,” he said.
“We want to continue the journey. It’s not going to be easy, it’s going to be tough at times, but we want to affect it and show what we’re about on a bigger stage.
“It’s going to be another great experience. Not many get the experience of going over to Olympiakos and playing them in a European game. We’re not going to go over there to enjoy the day, we’re going over to make an impact. We’re looking for a positive result.”